Saskatoon Berry Jam with Honey (Easy Homemade Recipe)

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, then you may have figured out that I love Saskatoon berries (AKA Juneberries or serviceberries). We pick loads of Saskatoons every summer at a local farm and freeze them for use throughout the year. One of the many amazing foods we can make with Saskatoon berries is jam. It’s incredibly delicious spread on toast, waffles, pancakes, and even used as a filling in cakes. Best of all, the jam I make uses honey instead of refined sugar, making it healthier and, in my opinion, more delicious. If you’re wondering how to make homemade Saskatoon berry jam with honey, then you’ll want to take a couple of minutes to read this post!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweetened With Honey

Honey is a superior sweetener to refined sugar in so many ways. Refined sugar offers no nutritional benefits outside of calories, and it lowers immunity and can create an imbalance in gut flora.

Honey, on the other hand, contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which protect cells against oxidative damage, along with small amounts of minerals and vitamins. Moderate amounts of honey can be soothing for a sore throat or upset stomach, as it has antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent replacement for refined sugar.

Delicious Way to Enjoy Locally Grown Berries

I love having access to the variety of produce available at grocery stores, but there’s something special about enjoying foods that are locally grown or foraged. Fresh Saskatoon berries are a seasonal treat, but their short harvest season means we can only enjoy them fresh for a limited time. However, freezing them or turning them into homemade jam allows their delicious flavour to be enjoyed throughout the year. Personally, I think Saskatoon berries are especially delicious in baking and jam, where their sweet, distinctive flavour really shines!

Perfect for Toast, Pancakes, Biscuits, and Homemade Sourdough

There are so many ways to enjoy Saskatoon berry jam! Spread it on toast or homemade sourdough, serve it with biscuits or pancakes, or enjoy it however you like your jam. It’s also a great addition to a charcuterie board, served alongside crackers and fresh sourdough for spreading.

Ingredients

• Saskatoon berries – fresh or frozen
• Honey
• Pectin – use a universal pectin like Pomona’s for best results
• Lemon juice

Equipment Needed

• Boiling water canner or large, deep pot
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Spatula
• Blender
• Clean jars and lids

How to Make Saskatoon Berry Jam With Honey

Clean/Thaw Berries & Blend

Blend washed/thawed berries in a blender until smooth.

Mix, Heat & Thicken

Transfer berry puree to a large saucepan and add honey, pectin, and lemon juice.

Simmer over medium-low heat without the lid for 30 minutes, or until thickened.

Sterilize Jars

While the jam is thickening, sterilize the jars.

Wash and rinse glass canning jars, lids and bands thoroughly using hot soapy water.

Place a trivet in a large, deep pot and set jars on top. Cover them completely with cool water, ensuring there are at least 3 inches of water above the tops of the jars.

Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a simmer (not a boil) over medium heat.

Remove jars from the water and place on a clean, flat surface (a counter or table works fine).

Fill Jars

Fill jars with jam, leaving a little space at the top.

Remove any air bubbles by sliding a clean plastic spatula down the inside edge of the jar. Tap jars gently on the counter to remove any remaining air bubbles.

Wipe rims thoroughly with a clean cloth before adding lids.

Heat Process Jam

Ensure lids are tightened before placing back in the same water-filled pot.

There should be at least one inch of water covering the tops of the jars. Add more water if necessary.

Cover the pot with its lid and bring the water to a rolling boil, then let it boil for 10 minutes at sea level (or 20 minutes if you live at a higher altitude).

Remove and Cool Jars

Remove the pot lid and wait 5 minutes before removing jars.

Carefully remove jars and set them on a tea towel. Allow to cool here for 12-24 hours.

Check Seals and Label

After the cooling period, check that each lid has sealed.

Label and date each jar before storing.

Notes

• Berries: Fresh or frozen Saskatoon berries can be used for this recipe. If using frozen berries, thaw them first and include any juices.
• Honey: The flavour of honey will influence the sweetness and flavour of the finished jam. Use the amount specified in the recipe.
• Pectin: For best results, use a pectin suitable for honey-sweetened or reduced-sugar jam (like this one), and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct proportions and cooking method.
• Texture: The jam may take some time to reach its final consistency as it cools.
• Storage: Store the jam in the refrigerator or freezer if you are not following the instructions for heat processing the jam. Sterilizing jars alone does not make jam safe for pantry storage.

Looking for more Saskatoon berry recipes? Check out the Refined Sugar-Free Recipes page!